Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Quinn's call for the Minister for Justice and Equality to re-examine his decision to disallow applications from graduates of the leaving certificate applied examination and the requirement to have an additional academic or theoretical qualification when applying for a job as a garda.

The leaving certificate application examination was introduced 20 years ago next year. I recognise the contribution that Senator Quinn has made to the examination. Since 1994 many thousands of young people have graduated from second level schools and Youthreach training centres with the qualification. It is an ideal qualification. It should enable people to apply for jobs in the Garda Síochána, the Army or the Civil Service. The qualification is excellent and it is regrettable that it has not been recognised as suitable for recruitment to the Garda Síochána. I want the decision overturned immediately.